KEEP CALM AND TRIATHLON

In this article, BTF x YJ age group ambassador Kate Wright talks through  her transition from aquathlete to GB age group triathlete

If you are coming here for triathlon tips, from a triathlon expert, you will be disappointed. But if you are keen to not make all the mistakes that most beginners make, then you are in the right place.  I am confident that I have recently made all the mistakes the experts will have long forgotten about – so you won’t have too. You are welcome.

When people hear (I mean when I tell them) that I am in the British Triathlon age group team they often assume that I race triathlon. I mean it’s not a ridiculous assumption to make.

The truth is until this year I’d only actually raced one triathlon. The Age-Group Team, in fact, offers opportunities to represent Great Britain in various Multi Sports teams – duathlon, cross triathlon and duathlon, winter triathlon and duathlon, aquabike, mixed team relay, and (my event) aquathlon! I have represented the team on 6 occasions (in 3 World, and 3 European Championships) and I have even managed to get my hands on 2 silver (European Championship) and a Bronze (World Championship) medals.

It has been an incredible journey and I have been extremely fortunate. BUT with medals comes expectation (my own). When I first qualified, qualifying itself felt like winning a gold medal. Things then escalated pretty quickly, along with my expectations. I had my first taste of standing on an international podium and it’s hard then to be content with anything less. I was bitterly disappointed with 8th place at the world championships in Ibiza in 2023 (which is insane) and I started thinking that 2023 might be my final year! (drama queen). Fortunately I refocused, and was rewarded with a silver (European medal, in Menen) later that year. Menen was a firm reminder of how much I love being part of the age group experience. I also knew though I was ready for a new challenge – I wanted something that made me feel the way I did when aquathlon was all shiny and new.

I decided I would make triathlon my focus in 2024, short term goal was to complete a standard distance triathlon, with a long term goal of one day qualifying to represent the Age Group team. The first thing I did was enter some local triathlons (Arundel, Eastbourne and Brighton). I’m terrified / excited – I think triathlon might suit my personality – I’m one of those extrovert / introvert, risk avoiding, thrill seekers.

Going from Aquathlon to Triathlon, you might think, is just adding a bike. It’s not (it’s also adding bike insurance). It’s been a steep learning curve! As an Aquathlete (swim, run) the bike is my obvious weakest discipline! I am a nervous rider, that is assessing the risks the entire time – which is actually more exhausting than the riding!

My bike experience pre 2024 was limited to a bike sportive (2015), a standard distance Duathlon (2017) and a sprint triathlon (2021) – which was the last time I had properly ridden my bike. So my starting point wasn’t particularly high, unlike the elevation in both Arundel and Eastbourne – Eastbourne proudly boasts to be one of the toughest triathlons in the UK on its website!

Having never raced a standard distance triathlon before, you can imagine my terror when it was announced that Eastborne would be the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Age-Group Team qualifier (for British Triathlon)! I then had this crazy idea that perhaps 2024 would be the year I attempted to qualify for the British Triathlon Age Group Team. That’s me, always moving the goalposts – Long term goal, short term goal!

If you are interested in taking part in an age group qualifying event (or alternately you want to make sure that the event you sign up for isn’t one) you can find a full list of all qualifying events on the British triathlon website which also have information on the qualification requirements and process.

Since getting back on the bike I have since discovered that I really don’t like going fast downhill, I almost stop when cornering – Eastbourne Standard Triathlon has three dead turns, switchbacks, and takes me four times over the very exposed Beachy Head! I’m also terrified of vehicles – so at least Eastbourne being closed roads appealed to me. The British triathlon website very helpfully has a list of all registered triathlon races in the UK, where you’ll be able to check if the event you intend to take part in has closed roads if this is something that concerns you!

I started my bike training indoors using Zwift climb portals during the cold winter months. Initially, I was hesitant to reduce my swim/run sessions, but exhaustion and pneumonia forced me to adjust. I compromised by cutting some long “slow run” sessions in favour of biking.

As the weather improved, I cautiously ventured outdoors on my hybrid bike, HEIDI. Although confident on her, HEIDI was slow, prompting me to upgrade to a road bike, ROXANNE. I originally considered skipping the road bike and going straight for a Triathlon bike. This, it seems, is a mistake a lot of people new to triathlon make. Initially, riding ROXANNE was disastrous; I was terrified, frequently used the brakes, and cried from frustration. However, with perseverance, I improved and no longer cry during rides, much to my husband’s relief.

Zwift helped with fitness but didn’t prepare me for real-life riding skills. It’s a useful supplement, but not a replacement for outdoor cycling. My early rides were slow and challenging, even getting overtaken by someone on an elliptical and pushing ROXANNE home after a puncture. Learning to fix a puncture and understanding my tires was crucial.

Gradually, my confidence and speed improved. A bike computer has been invaluable for tracking and setting speed targets, though my husband reminds me it’s also for navigation.

Things I learnt

Indoor cycling will get you fit, but outdoor cycling with improve you bike handling

The difference between tubeless and tube tires

Bike computers are intended for navigation but make fantastic speedometers

My season began with the Arundel standard distance triathlon in May. The event, organised by Raw Energy, took place on a hilly course in beautiful surroundings. Despite having done their events before, I underestimated my preparation time, leading to a rushed start. My swim went well, but my transition (T1) was chaotic. There’s much more to consider in a Triathlon Transition compared to an Aquathlon Transition. Eventually, I got on my bike, my favourite part of the race, but T2 was worse as I hadn’t noticed the different exits for bike and run legs. Despite a strong run, I was shocked to finish third, catching the triathlon bug.

Things I learnt

-Arrive early to prepare yourself and your equipment.

-Practicing Transitions is crucial.

-Know the course route.

I returned to training with a new focus, adding transition practice. Next, I did the Cotswolds 113 Middle Distance Triathlon Relay with my friend Martine. I swam 1.9km, she biked 90km, and I ran 21.1km. The day before, we familiarised ourselves with the course and arrived early on race day. I positioned myself at the back of wave 2, benefiting from a rolling start. After handing over to Martine, who finished her leg 45 minutes ahead of schedule, I enjoyed running a half marathon without the preceding bike leg. We exceeded expectations, finishing second in the Female relay team.

Then came the Eastbourne World Standard Distance Qualifiers. Despite panicking about kit choices and a new hydration system, I felt ready on race day—only to wake up with a flat tire. Due to bad weather, the event was changed from a triathlon to a duathlon (5km run, 40km bike, 10km run). I nailed my transitions and enjoyed the bike course despite the wind. However, I struggled during the 10km run due to under-fuelling and dehydration, finishing in 6th place. Though outside automatic qualification for the World Championships AG team, I could still get a roll-down place. I entered another Standard Duathlon to improve my running off the bike. At Goodwood, I improved significantly, finishing 5th with the fastest T1.

Things I learnt

-Plan your nutrition carefully.

-Practice running off the bike.

-Stay calm when things don’t go to plan.

Seven months into my first triathlon season, I enjoy calling myself a triathlete. I have the Brighton Standard Triathlon coming up and am considering the European Standard Distance Qualifiers in Bournemouth. I also participated in the European Aquathlon Champs in Portugal, finishing 5th, which reminded me how much I love being part of the British Triathlon Age Group Team. Checking my ranking on “My Tri Ranking” has become a new post-race ritual.

Things I learnt

It always rains on race day.

You can’t rely solely on being a good swim runner in triathlon.

Anyone can do it; it’s never too late to start.

Everyone names their bikes—what’s yours called?